Crews Restored Power to Nearly 900 of 3,100 Customers Out So Far
22 March 2019
COLCHESTER, Vt. – Green Mountain Power is prepared for increasing outages tonight into tomorrow as heavy, wet snow spreads across Vermont. GMP has already restored power to nearly 900 of the 3,100 customers who lost power today.
Meteorologists say the forecast for this storm is complicated because a temperature shift by a degree or two, or in elevation, could have tremendous impact on the amount and the weight of the snow, which is what tears down trees and powerlines. Roger Hill, who forecasts for utilities, says this system packs the heavy moisture and intensity Vermont is seeing more frequently due to climate change. The moisture and fluctuating temperatures hovering around freezing also increase the potential for ice jams.
“This increased storm intensity feels like the new normal, and we are prepared for the forecast,” said Mike Burke, GMP’s Chief of Field Operations. “Heavier, wetter snow creates greater risk for power lines. We’re watching out for that heavy, concrete-like snow that can cause a lot of damage to the system.”
GMP is urging customers to be safe and be prepared for possible outages. Travel has already been difficult, and that could continue into Saturday. Also, stay away from any downed lines or trees. Customers with emergency medical issues should always call 911. Tips for storm readiness are available in GMP’s Safety Guide.
Customers can report outages and get restoration times using GMP’s Outage Center. The interactive maps provide real time details about outages.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (GMP) serves approximately 265,000 residential and business customers in Vermont and is partnering with them to improve lives and transform communities. GMP is focused on a new way of doing business to meet the needs of customers with integrated energy services that help people use less energy and save money, while continuing to generate clean, cost-effective and reliable power in Vermont. GMP earned a spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World list three years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019). GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. J.D. Power’s 2018 rankings also put GMP among top utilities for customer satisfaction.
Kristin Kelly, Green Mountain Power
(802) 318-0872
[email protected]